Trait Mindfulness and Physical Health among Chinese Middle-Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Mental Health

Abstract

Few studies have focused on the specific effects of trait mindfulness on physical health status, especially from a resilient aging perspective. This study examined the mediating role of mental health in the association between trait mindfulness and physical health status among middle-older adults in urban China. The participants included 188 individuals who were recruited from a community senior university and five community senior care centers. The findings reveal: (1) trait mindfulness has a strong effect on two physical health indicators (self-rated physical health and subjective sleep quality); (2) mental health is a significant mediator in the relationship between trait mindfulness and physical health status; and (3) the mediation role of mental health is more evident in the self-rated physical health model (24.15%) than subjective sleep quality (18.10%). This study improves our knowledge of how trait mindfulness can lead to a better physical health in middle-older adults and could lead to the development of social value communication and effective prevention.

Mindfulness, mortality, disability rates, physical and mental health among the oldest old.

“…This model suggests that trait mindfulness can reduce perceived stress and NA reactions by increasing inhibitory control, creating a “mindfulness buffer.” Such a buffering effect could facilitate successful aging. Additionally, a cross-sectional study of Chinese older adults (Lei et al, 2022) showed that higher trait mindfulness was associated with better self-rated physical and mental health status.…”

“…The causal conclusions drawn from these studies may be difficult to generalize. Furthermore, the current studies only range in age up to 85 years, and no studies have been conducted on the oldest old (de Frias, 2014; Fiocco & Mallya, 2015; Lei et al, 2022; MacAulay et al, 2022). The current study, therefore, aims to verify the benefits of mindfulness on physical and mental health in a group of senior citizens.…”

“…Such a buffering effect could facilitate successful aging. Additionally, a cross-sectional study of Chinese older adults (Lei et al, 2022) showed that higher trait mindfulness was associated with better self-rated physical and mental health status.…”